Raider Nation News

Week of December 10, 2018

Raider Nation News

Week of December 10, 2018

Five-Star Rating!

Dear Atholton Families,

This past week the Maryland State Department of Education unveiled a new school accountability system. This new system rates schools using a school report card and providing a star rating system ranging from one star to five stars. I am very pleased to report that Atholton has earned five stars in this new accountability system. You may view our school report card here. I want to take this opportunity to thank the outstanding teachers of our school who work tirelessly to ensure our students receive the best instruction on a daily basis. I also want to thank the parents of our community who send us some of the brightest students in our county and support high academic standards. Moreover, thank you for your continued support of our school. Research shows that a large component to a school’s success is community involvement! Lastly, as we re-enter the realm of school accountability and school ratings, achievement on state assessments such as the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP formerly known as PARCC) is even more scrutinized. That is to say, we need EVERYONE (students, teachers, and parents) to support efforts that help to ensure students are achieving at their highest level possible.

As we enter the holiday season, I am pleased to announce that Atholton, with the support of our Boosters programs, will host a community STUFF THE BUS event. At athletic and music events, food donations will be collected. In addition, the AHS Letterman Club will place boxes throughout the school for students to deposit food items. Parents and community members may drop off items in the boxes in the front office. This food collection drive will culminate in stuffing a school bus with all the items on Saturday, December 15 from 10am – 12pm. We want to fill/stuff the bus so please donate food items! This will all go to support the Maryland/Howard County Food Bank.

Lastly, the results of those 9th, 10th, and 11th graders who participated in the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) are posted in Synergy. Paper copies will be mailed later this month. You may access score reports here and then:

· Login and click on Academic Information in the left menu

· Select Standardized Test Scores

To assist families with interpreting the results, HCPSS will host a PSAT parent night in January. More details will be sent with the paper home reports.

Have a fantastic week!

Warmly,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

Important Information

Calling ALL AHS Families

Each December on behalf of all AHS families, the PTSA serves a catered lunch to our fantastic AHS staff to show them how much they are appreciated.We know this is a busy time of year, so instead of asking for food contributions , we're asking for cash donations. All families who contribute will be recognized on a large card to our staff. Please consider making a donation (any amount) to support this scrumptious effort. Contribution can be made in one of two ways:

Please contact Shalini (443)540-1311 or sgidwani3019@gmail.com with any questions. As always, thank you for your support.

Class of 2019 Graduation Dates Window

Class of 2019 Graduation Window Released

Mark your calendars! The window for graduation will be Monday, May 20 – Friday, May 24 AND Tuesday, May 28 – Friday, May 31. The actual graduation schedule will be released in the spring (mid-April).

Course Registration for 2019 -- 2020

Teachers will begin making course recommendations for core graduation classes this week (Math, English, Social Studies, Science and World Language). Once the recommendation has been made, students and parents will be able to view the recommendation online. Teachers are encouraged to have conversations with their students about the next course. If a student would like to waive into another course, the form will be available in January. Please make sure to have a discussion with the teacher and/or counselor to make the best decision for your student. The window for these recommendations will close on December 19th. Students will have an opportunity to make selections about elective courses beginning on January 3 until January 11. Scheduling Night is January 7 @6:30pm. If you have any questions about this process, please contact your students counselor.

Winter Concerts

Winter Band Concert -- Wednesday, Dec. 12 @ 7pm

Winter Orchestra Concert -- Thursday, Dec. 13 @ 7pm

Winter Chorus Concert -- Tuesday, Dec. 18 @ 7pm

Class of 2019 Graduation Dates Window

Class of 2019 Graduation Window Released

Mark your calendars! The window for graduation will be Monday, May 20 – Friday, May 24 AND Tuesday, May 28 – Friday, May 31. The actual graduation schedule will be released in the spring (mid-April).

Course Registration for 2019 -- 2020

Teachers will begin making course recommendations for core graduation classes this week (Math, English, Social Studies, Science and World Language). Once the recommendation has been made, students and parents will be able to view the recommendation online. Teachers are encouraged to have conversations with their students about the next course. If a student would like to waive into another course, the form will be available in January. Please make sure to have a discussion with the teacher and/or counselor to make the best decision for your student. The window for these recommendations will close on December 19th. Students will have an opportunity to make selections about elective courses beginning on January 3 until January 11. Scheduling Night is January 7 @6:30pm. If you have any questions about this process, please contact your students counselor.